HOW-TO: Change file library locations to OneDrive

Changing the default file library locations (such as Documents, Pictures, and Desktop) to OneDrive can help ensure your files are backed up and accessible across devices. Here’s how you can do it on Windows and macOS:

Windows

1. Set Up OneDrive:
   1. If you haven’t already, set up OneDrive by opening the OneDrive application and signing in with your Microsoft account.
   2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
2. Move Default Folders to OneDrive:
   1. Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder. It’s usually located at C:\Users\<YourUsername>\OneDrive.
   2. Inside the OneDrive folder, create folders for Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc., if they don’t already exist.
3. Change Default Locations:
   1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the default location of the folder you want to move (e.g., C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Documents).
   2. Right-click the folder (e.g., Documents) and select “Properties.”
   3. Go to the “Location” tab.
   4. Click “Move” and select the corresponding folder in OneDrive (e.g., C:\Users\<YourUsername>\OneDrive\Documents).
   5. Click “Select Folder,” then “Apply,” and confirm by clicking “Yes” when asked if you want to move all files to the new location.
   6. Repeat these steps for other folders like Pictures and Desktop.

macOS

1. Set Up OneDrive:
   1. If you haven’t already, download and install the OneDrive application from the OneDrive website.
   2. Open OneDrive and sign in with your Microsoft account.
   3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
2. Move Default Folders to OneDrive:
   1. Open Finder and navigate to your OneDrive folder. It’s usually located at ~/OneDrive.
   2. Inside the OneDrive folder, create folders for Documents, Pictures, Desktop, etc., if they don’t already exist.
3. Change Default Locations:
   1. Open Finder and navigate to the default location of the folder you want to move (e.g., ~/Documents).
   2. Right-click the folder (e.g., Documents) and select “Make Alias.”
   3. Drag the original folder (e.g., Documents) into the corresponding folder in OneDrive (e.g., ~/OneDrive/Documents).
   4. Drag the alias you created to the original location (e.g., ~/Documents).
   5. Rename the alias to match the original folder name (e.g., Documents).
   6. Repeat these steps for other folders like Pictures and Desktop.

Syncing with OneDrive

After changing the default locations, OneDrive will start syncing these folders automatically. You can access and manage your files from any device where you have OneDrive installed and signed in with your Microsoft account.